The most popular hike in Big Bend National Park also has one of the smallest parking areas. Even on a day when we saw few people, this parking lot was full the first two times we drove past. Make sure to arrive at the Lost Mine Trail very early or later in the day to find parking. The Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park is a beautiful spot.
Parking
The trailhead for the Lost Mine Trail is found in the Chisos Basin area just before you arrive at the Visitor Center. This area prohibits large vehicles or anything towing due to the narrowness of the road, and it is says that bears and cougars frequent this area.
If you are lucky enough to find a parking space in one of the dozen or so spots, take it. Since this hike can take a rather long time, they don’t turn over very fast. However, we suggest making this hike a little shorter and easier for the kids. It is listed at 5.1 miles on park literature, but we went only about a mile out to the overlook (so 2.0 miles roundtrip). There is a nice bench there, and you can view much of the basin without climbing the last steep miles.
The Trail
The Lost Mine Trail climbs gently from the parking lot, winding up and around the mountain side. If you follow it to the end, it will come out on the peak to the east. With our kids, stopping at the bench at the 1.0 mile mark was just right. We loved the views.
We enjoyed this hike because the trees are thick and there is a little shade, which can be hard to find at Big Bend. We also hiked at dusk, so it was cool and we could see the sun setting behind us in the west.
After about 1 mile, the trail crests a ridge and you can look out over a large valley. The sharp mountain peaks surround you, and someone has placed two benches. Sit and relax for a few minutes. Then make the decision to climb on or head back to the parking lot.
The Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park is a must do trail. Check out our list of other family-friendly trails in Big Bend at this link.
